Rhiannon Hendricks
The ring bearer is a long-standing wedding tradition, believed to date back to ancient Egypt. Typically, a young boy carries the wedding rings down the aisle on a pillow, although modern weddings have seen a shift towards other family members or pets taking on the role. The pillow is not a necessity, and many couples are opting for creative alternatives such as ring boxes, mini treasure chests, or even a remote-controlled car. If you do opt for a pillow, it is customary to choose one that complements your wedding colour scheme and theme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To transport the rings down the aisle |
| Use | Optional, but it's nice to give young ring bearers something to carry |
| Alternatives | Ring box, mini treasure chest, seashells, ornaments, balloons, bibles, etc. |
| Cost | Can be cheap, e.g. from the dollar store, or expensive, e.g. from Etsy |
| Customisation | Can be customised to match the wedding colour scheme, theme, and ring bearer's attire |
| Ring security | Ribbons can be used to secure rings to the pillow |
| Fake rings | Some people use fake rings on the pillow to avoid losing the real ones |
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What You'll Learn
- Ring pillows are not necessary, but they are traditional
- Alternatives to pillows include ring boxes, mini treasure chests, and even a small pumpkin
- If you want a pillow, you can buy one cheaply or make your own
- You can use fake rings on the pillow if you want
- The ring bearer can be dressed up as a security guard
Ring pillows are not necessary, but they are traditional
Ring pillows are not necessary for a wedding, but they are traditional. The tradition of ring bearers carrying the wedding rings on a pillow is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. During Egyptian wedding ceremonies, an adult would carry precious gems and jewels to the altar on a decorative pillow. In the medieval era, a person would carry the ring down the aisle on a pillow to display wealth, as pillows, especially embroidered or adorned ones, were considered rare and thus symbols of riches.
Today, the ring bearer is typically a young boy, although modern weddings have shown that there are no steadfast rules, and the ring bearer can be anyone from a female child to an adult friend or cousin. If you have a young ring bearer, it might be nice to give them something to carry, such as a ring pillow or a unique alternative like a ring box, a small pumpkin, a bible, or a lockbox. You can also tie the rings to a pillow with a ribbon for added security.
If you choose not to have a ring bearer, you can still have your best man or another loved one carry the rings for you, and you likely won't need a ring pillow. There are many alternatives to a ring pillow that can be used to transport the rings, such as ring boxes, mini treasure chests, or any container that can be dressed up or decorated.
Ultimately, the decision to include a ring pillow in your wedding is a personal choice and can be tailored to your preferences and budget.
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Alternatives to pillows include ring boxes, mini treasure chests, and even a small pumpkin
There are many alternatives to the traditional ring bearer pillow. While some couples opt for a classic pillow, others choose to get creative and opt for alternatives that reflect their personality and wedding theme.
One alternative is a ring box. This option is versatile, inexpensive, and easy to pull off. You can showcase your sense of humour by writing phrases on the box, such as "I'm just here for the cake" or "Has anyone seen the rings?". You can also decorate the box to match your wedding colour scheme or theme. Another option is a glass box with a gilded frame, perfect for glamorous celebrations. If your wedding has a floral theme, you can stuff the inside of the box with blooms to elevate and protect your wedding rings.
Mini treasure chests are another fun alternative, especially if you're looking for something playful and unique. You can even install a small sound chip that plays a tune when the chest is opened, like the Legend of Zelda treasure chest tune.
For a wedding during the holiday season, a small pumpkin can be a festive and seasonally appropriate alternative to a ring pillow. Pumpkins are representative of the season, and the stem makes the perfect spot to slip on your wedding rings.
Other alternatives include a briefcase, an antique or heirloom box, a book with a secret compartment, a tray with ribbons, or a balloon with a pocket for the rings.
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If you want a pillow, you can buy one cheaply or make your own
If you want to include a ring pillow in your wedding ceremony, you can choose to buy one or make your own.
Buying a Ring Pillow
If you would like to buy a ring pillow, there are a variety of options available. You can find simple, cheap ring pillows at dollar stores or online. There are also more elaborate options, such as silk or satin pillows, which can be purchased from wedding suppliers. These often include customisation options, such as embroidery, quotes, and calendars. You can also buy ring pillows that match your wedding theme, such as beach-themed pillows or vintage-inspired designs.
Making Your Own Ring Pillow
Creating your own ring pillow can be a rewarding project, allowing you to personalise this special part of your wedding day. It can also be a cost-effective option, as you can use basic materials and simple crafting techniques.
To make your own ring pillow, you will need two squares or rectangles of fabric, slightly larger than your desired pillow size. Choose a fabric that matches your wedding theme, such as silk, satin, burlap, linen, or canvas. Cut the fabric, trim the corners, and turn the pillow right side out. Stuff the pillow with polyester, foam, or a blank ring pillow, and then sew the opening shut.
You can embellish your ring pillow with ribbons, beads, or buttons that match your wedding colours. You can also add a string or ribbon to the centre of the pillow for tying the rings. Form the ribbon into a bow, and secure it with matching thread or hot glue.
There are many creative alternatives to a traditional ring pillow, such as ring boxes, wooden trays, floral arrangements, baskets, or bowls. You can decorate these with lace, flowers, or other embellishments to make them unique to your wedding.
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You can use fake rings on the pillow if you want
Using fake rings on the ring pillow is a common practice for wedding ceremonies. It is a good idea if the ring bearer is a toddler, as there is a risk of losing or damaging the real rings. The fake rings can be attached to the pillow with ribbons, which can also be used to tie the real rings to the pillow if desired. The ribbons add an extra level of safety and can make for a cute photo opportunity when the couple unties the bows to retrieve the rings.
If you are concerned about the rings being lost or damaged, but still want to use the real ones, you could have the ring bearer carry a pillow with no rings, or an empty ring box. Alternatively, the best man or maid of honour could hold the real rings, while the ring bearer carries the fakes.
There are many creative alternatives to a ring pillow, such as a small pumpkin for a fall wedding, a lockbox for a "security guard" ring bearer, or a festive ornament for a holiday wedding. You could also use a ring box, a mini treasure chest, or a container with sentimental value.
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The ring bearer can be dressed up as a security guard
The ring bearer traditionally carries the wedding rings on a pillow, also known as a ring bearer pillow or ring cushion, down the aisle to the couple getting married. This is not mandatory, however, and there are many alternatives to a ring pillow, such as a ring box, a mini treasure chest, or even a small pumpkin with a ribbon tied around it for a fall wedding.
If you want your ring bearer to be dressed up as a security guard, you can pair a security guard outfit with a wedding ring security accessory kit. This kit includes sunglasses, an ID badge, an envelope, an earpiece, and a briefcase. You can also add a bow tie, shirt, jacket, and pants to complete the look. With this fun and unique twist, your ring bearer will be ready to "secure" the wedding rings with style and flair!
There are many creative ways to incorporate the security guard theme into your ring bearer's attire and accessories. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Outfit: Start with a crisp white shirt, black pants, and a bow tie in a color that complements your wedding color palette. You can add a black or dark-colored blazer to complete the security guard look.
- Accessories: The accessory kit mentioned earlier adds a playful touch to the overall ensemble. The sunglasses, ID badge, envelope, and earpiece all contribute to the security guard theme. The briefcase can be used to securely transport the wedding rings, adding a functional element to the costume.
- Signage: Create a fun "Ring Security" sign or banner, or a badge for your ring bearer to carry or wear. This will not only reinforce the security guard theme but also provide some adorable photo opportunities.
- Props: If you want to take the concept a step further, you can include additional props such as a faux walkie-talkie or a small briefcase handcuffed to your ring bearer's wrist, emphasizing the importance of their "top-secret" ring-securing mission.
- Entrance and Exit: Choreograph a fun entrance for your ring bearer, perhaps with some playful "security guard" moves, such as scanning the area with pretend binoculars or giving a thumbs-up to the guests as they make their way down the aisle. For added charm, they can also high-five or interact with the guests along the way.
Remember, the key is to have fun with the theme and make it a memorable part of your wedding. Your ring bearer, dressed as a security guard, is sure to bring smiles to your guests' faces and create some delightful moments during your ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a ring pillow for your wedding. You can use a ring box, a mini treasure chest, or anything that is functional, secure, thematic, and within your budget.
Some creative alternatives to a ring pillow include a seashell, a ceramic dish, a bible, a pumpkin, a briefcase, a remote-controlled car, or a balloon.
The purpose of a ring pillow is to help transport the rings down the aisle safely. It can also be used as a decorative element that complements your wedding color scheme, theme, and ring bearer's attire.
Some unique ideas for a ring pillow include using a family pet as the ring bearer, attaching the rings to a collar, or placing them in a wagon pulled by the pet. You can also use a lockbox if you dress up your ring bearer as a "security guard".
It is generally recommended to use fake rings on the ring pillow to avoid any risk of loss or damage. The real rings can be kept with the maid/matron of honor, bridesmaid, or best man.
